From the mound of puppies the man's head popped up to look at Winter. Everytime he tried to speak he was met with a puppy tongue to the face. It was a struggle to return to his feet but he managed to after a few tries.

"What can I say? I love animals. For most of my childhood my only companionship was that of a stray pup!"

The male cooed and poked in in what one would assume to be his attempt at puppy language. "Who said you can't have a bunch of animals?" Beau's eyes glanced upwards to Winter while he squatted to give the dogs more attention. "You can keep them all! Hell, I'll help take care of them!"

Darling brother bear
I went to Moscow. I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t this. All I feel is anger and a deep pity for the little shell of a girl we called sister. So easily manipulated by that demon. Pity. And anger.
And then, a final sense of some relief. Her well of pain is gone and I for one am okay with it.
I got her plant. Sapling, isn’t that what she called it? If It gets cold, at least I’ll have kindling.
I’m in Antwerp on a job. But maybe I’ll see you soon after I’m done here.
Love you.

It'd been quite a while since she'd heard this particular voice, but it felt familiar to her regardless. He looks different, but there's little doubt in Soleil's heart that the man in front of her is someone she once considered a close friend. "Duly noted, stranger," she replies, "Any chance you're free next Thursday? My wife has a couple outrageous bras that should've been burned a while ago."

She grins cheekily, knowing he is well-acquainted with Rhiannon, as well.

Marcus contemplated the man's words. He had a point. Why should he hide his own features in order to make the weak of heart comfortable? With a nod of agreement he pulled the sunglasses from his face revealing golden brown irises that focused on the male before him with a quiet intensity. "Does my gaze unsettle you?"

It was odd to have somebody offer to humanize him. The gesture made Marcus uncomfortable. The words themselves did little to scathe him; more the intentions behind the words unsettled him. Trust was an oddity in the man's life. "I will be sure to remember that, Winter. Social occasions are far from my strong suit."

After sending the message he chuckled to himself and replaced the phone in his pocket. As he finished taking out the last of the boudin balls from the oil the war call pulled his attention away from the fried snacks.

Suddenly an army of little fluffy balls of energy came barreling towards him. And what does beau do? Lay right down so he may be mauled by cuteness, the whole time giggling like a little kid. His head popped out of the fluffy onslaught. "Where the hell did you get all these pups?!"

Pagan put on her best aww, shucks smile for Winter. She was rather good at that particular smile, having used it countless times on Beau in the past. "Your wallet is safe from me. I wanted to see first hand if the rumors were true. Pun intended. You do have an amazing tush."

A black brow arched upwards at the man's staring. Already, Marcus could feel his blood pressure rise at the male's unwanted attention. As his muscles tensed, he remembered to breathe and relax. The anger was no longer a necessity. "My eyes tend to unnerve others. They are described as intense and oppressing." He shrugged his broad shoulders nonchalantly.

Names. They were exchanging names. He could do this! "I am Kro- er." D@mn, so close."Marcus. Thank you, Winter."

Fia let out a sigh of relief while she held out her hand. "Hi nice to meet you Winter. I'm Fia. I read your notice on the main board in the hall offering advice and help on matters of dress." She could feel her cheeks flush bright pink as she took a pause not quite sure how to go on. It was an impromptu idea and she had not really thought it through, instead opting to rush forward. She supposed she was too far in to tun back now.

"I wanted to help out a friend in the Crew. I'm working on a surprise for her but um... it requires I look... goth. Seriously, I have jeans and t-shirts and my boots. How on earth does one look..... goth? Can you help?"

Fia approached her crew mate hesitantly. She was bad at introductions, and even worse with asking for help. Still – she could accomplish both in one attempt, so she took a deep breath and decided to try. She could hear noise from within, and knew he was there when she knocked tentatively on the door. “ Hi I’m so sorry to disturb you, I just wanted to introduce myself, and I was wondering if I might get a little bit of…. assistance?”

Sav scrunches her face in disgust, "I would rather die than put those in my body. Do you know how much sugar is in just one of those?!" Now that she was human, she actually had to watch what she ate. It was absolutely terrible.

Hearing what he did to get locked up, she scoots a as far away from him as possible, "You know, behind a wall or not, peeing outside in public is just.. disgusting." She shudders. Boys! So gross. "Perhaps you were acting suspicious before you decided to drop your trousers and take a piss?"

Pagan can read between the lines and chooses to leave the subject alone. Loss is never easy. "I'm familiar with the drug scene. Sorry to hear you had to grow up in it." She squeezes Winter's shoulder once and calls it good.

"We don't really judge people because it's normally wrong." A grin splits her lips. "You haven't seen the way he destroys good Creole. When you do, you'll understand why you stuffing your face won't bother me. C'mon, let's get this show on the road!"

"He's earned them several times over. I'm a handful." She laughs. "Summer and Winter... Is there a Spring and Fall?" Surely not. Who would name their kids after all the seasons?

"Your level of amazing has yet to be determined. We'll reevaluate in a week or two," Pagan teases, "I know it's a solid plan! Pizza and wings with a couple cutie-patooties. Doesn't get much better than that. Pig out to your little heart's content. I don't judge."

"Beau has the Best Friend and Brother title in my world, but!" Pagan holds up an index finger. "No one has filled the second spot yet, or any of the others. See? Told you I don't have many friends either. So I'd be happy to meet your sister too."

She makes an exasperated sound at Winter. "Why choose? Let's do both. We can grab Beau and have a little shindig."

"Good idea. Great!" Wearing a huge smile, she gives Winter double finger guns. Trusting her is the best idea ever.

"Hey, I don't have many friends either. Carnies are fine at the carnival but people aren't always fond of them outside the circus. Beau and I started our friendship on being oddballs." Slender shoulders shrug but the smile remains. She is simply stating a fact. "I'll hang with you. Let's find snacks first."

Pegan's arms swing back and forth at her sides. It's painfully obvious the gears in her head are turning. "I'm glad he has someone keeping him on his toes. He's good people, and any friend of his is a friend of mine. Guess that makes us friends."

She grins. "No, no, Beauregard isn't his full name. I call him that because it drives him crazy." Pagan cants her head to the side. Blinks. "What, what? Sweet honey?" Her face lights up. "Are you Beau's beau?!"

Eden feels her phone buzz. What the Hell? It was a text, scrolling through she looked bit confused, until the last sentence. Also this is Winter. Quickly she saves the number in her phone before she responds:

Winter

I'm great. Glad to hear you're doing good. Pets are fine, if they make a mess you better clean it up. I'm not sure crazy cat lady status is something want to reach with the sanctuary though. One or two? That seems like a safe number, you're pushing it after that.

Also, it's preferable if you don't walk around nude. Do whatever you'd like in the comfort of your own room, but I think you should probably be fully clothed. It really doesn't help your case at all.

"I heard once there are seven people in the world who look like you." Pagan grins. "One down, six to go. I do hope you find your sister." She shakes Winter's hand.

Her eyes narrow. "Do you now? I need to have a come to Jesus with Beauregard. He hasn't told me about this place until today! Friendly people, snacks... kept it all to himself. We'll see about that. None of my famous collard greens for him. Sorry, back on topic. Nice to meet you. I'm Pagan, as you already know."

"Oh, you know. Tried to bribe a guard to let some people out. Didn't go over so well." Looks at the sour patch kids being tossed. "Um. Ew." Not like this whole place wasn't disgusting, but he didn't have to make it worse. "What about you?"

Nathaniel smiled at the compliment and shook the man's hand. "Well, I don't complain at being called pretty. Means I'm doing something right to make sure I still look good. Nathaniel Tallios. Pleasure to meet ya, Winter!"

"When you come to New Orleans, I will show you the pictures. My Mamaw will probably talk your ear off 'bout it."-chuckles-"Well, I think we will go to one of these here fancy French restaurants. I was raised with French frequently spoken in my household so I can help translate for ya. As for the eating, I haven't a single issue with it. Man's gotta eat."

Clucking her tongue, she gives him a mock-scolding look. "Tsk! Hanging out with you IS part of stuff I have going on. I'd love to hit up New Orleans with you. It'll be so fun." Brows furrowing, she plucks her phone out of her purse, feeling it vibrate the entire bag. "Hmm. It's Blaize. He never calls."
Biting her lip, she glances at Winter as she answers.

"We will see about that. I'll have you know I was the county champion five years running!"-gives a smug grin-"Hmmm... in exchange for my services as a guide you will owe me dinner. After a day of showing off the greatest city in the world, I tend to get rather hungry."-finds a room--tosses his stuff in-"Here we are!"

Perking, she enthused, "Oh, I love New Orleans! They have some fabulous bars. One Eyed Jacks has some great burlesque shows. Also, Napoleons Itch is a place you simply must visit. One of my favorite gay bars in the South!" Making sure no lipstick stuck to her teeth, she looked at her brother carefully. "Why? Fancy a trip to the Big Easy?"

Hitting send on her message to her other brother, she slipped her cellphone into her giant ouija board purse and stepped out of the bathroom. Lifting her lips into a grin, she twirled for Winter. “She’s looking gorg, I think.” Laughing, she tugged his arm. “Movies. Carnival. Whatever. I just can’t sit in here like inmates.” Smearing a last bit of lipstick onto her lips, Summer continued. “Just as you said- everything will be fine.”

"I'm letting you know now, I am great at putting balls in holes."-wouldn't mention he lived in a circus most his life--moves towards the room with his bags-"It gets hot in the bayou so I tend to stick with the 'less is more' mentality."

-actually is excited--won't admit to it, though-"Well, seems we are both on team 'Sad Childhood.' We can talk it over when we get drunk enough."-chuckles-"We both know I'm going to do all the lifting, you are gonna stare at my butt and then I will take my shirt of and say it was getting hot when really I just like the attention."-moves towards the rooms-"Come on, then."

"Oh honey..." Summer stood, head tilted to the side. She clucked her tongue and gave Winter a mocking sad look. "Dollface, I have the kiss of death." She turned and held up a red vintage wiggle dress. "Best only give my number to those you truly detest." Her smile was feral, but it was softened by her playful wink. "This dress right here shows off my chichis SO magnificently. Seriously, it causes traffic accidents. Just watch."

-grins-"Then I await my new nickname! No pressure, but if it doesn't blow me away, this relationship won't work."-gives a serious look--returns to a grin-"Then across it is! And we can definitely get walkie talkies! I have never actually used one."

She looks up at him, hands balled into fists, clutching onto a tube top. Clenching her jaw, she nodded. Yes. Everything would be fine. Everything always worked out just right. If she hadn't been with her brother, she'd have laughed hysterically at the thought. There was a stabbing pain in her temple from her incessant negative mood lately. Nothing would ever be okay. Not for anyone with their cursed lineage.

She gave her brother a bright smile, toothy and cheeky. Eyes widening, she gushed in a tone far more trademark. "A hottie?! I didn't know they made them anymore!!!" She begins to rifle through clothes in earnest. "If there are hotties meandering about, I need to look FIRE, Winter."

"Might be a bit much. However, I wouldn't expect less from you."-gives a shrug-"Well, there are pros and cons to both. Next door neighbors, we could use Morse code through the walls. However, I snore rather loudly. Across the way, we can see if the other is home or not.-stroke beard-"What do you think?"

-releases the bear hug--leaves an arm draped around his shoulders-"I'm sure ya could, lover boy."-snorts-"I will be dividing time between here and New Orleans so I will be on the move. I still got a business to run."-thinks for a moment-"I don't even think I've claimed a room yet."

*Pokes her head out of the bathroom, cropped platinum hair sticking out in all directions. Pink fluffy robe tied tight at her middle, freshly painted toes bright blue*
You wanna go to the movies or something? I'm feeling a little stir crazy sitting around. I think the danger is cleared, yea? No news is good news. Texted Spring, haven't heard from her. Haven't heard from anyone else, so like...all clear? All clear.
*riffles through her suitcase, clothes strewn about all around it.*

-turns around at the whistle--grins-"What can I say? You make me feel pretty!"-brings him into a bear hug-"Good to see ya, Winter."-chuckles-"I think I'll stick to my own room fo' now. I appreciate the off'uh, though."

Winter
Yes. I leave the sweets to you. I need some chicken strips. A bunch. And extra hot sauce packets.
If they have any wings, I'll take those too. You are going to just a corner bodega, yea? They'll have all that greasy sh-t. I needs.
Are these your nail polishes under the sink? I'm gonna do my toes.

Stepping out of the now-lukewarm tub, Summer slipped on her fuzzy robe and came out of the bathroom. "I have no idea why I had to text that to you from the bath. It could've waited I suppose." Grabbing a slice of pizza, she flopped down on the couch. "I mean, she's not dead anymore. She died. Maybe like us? I don't know." Glancing around, she said with pizza stuffed in her cheeks, "Don't worry though. I'm sure everything is fine now. We got anymore wine or do we need to call in a delivery?"

Summer; Winter
Okay, so, here's the thing.
I didn't want to tell you because I wanted to have it fixed and over with but this seems to be more permanent than I'd like... and I'm rambling.
Here it is: I'm not me anymore.
I mean physically. Don't ask how because I still don't know, but I look really ****ing different.
Blonde hair, blueish eyes, a few inches taller.
New body! Go me... not.

The ego on Winter was enough to rival Idris'! Already he was showing promise. For now he would keep it subtle meaning the glow had to be turned off. Sunglasses were removed to reveal brilliant crystal blue hues that gazed at the man with a twinkle in his eye.

"The more you talk, the hungrier I get. For food and otherwise." A wink was given. The man moved to Winter's side, draping an arm over his shoulders with a devilish grin.

"Lead the way, Winter. Whatever you want, on me. Including yourself, if you so desire," he teased with a chuckle. The name sounded familiar. Yeah, Autumn had the same last name but according to his knowledge she had a scary red head brother named Blaize. Never had he heard of a Winter. The names were similar, however. Maybe he would bring it up later... if he remembered. Or cared.

The man's remarks brought Idris' eyebrows upwards in a surprised manner. His reaction was definitely not what he was expected. Most instantly succumbed to his charm and, yet, this one told him he was wrong in his wordage. How fun.

"Well, I'm sure you taste delicious either way." From behind his sunglasses there was a faint violet glow of his irises. This one was exciting! "As for your attempt at getting a sample of my posterior, I can't just give it up so easily. For you, though, I might make an exception."

With the male's hand still in grasp they were brought upwards to Idris' lips where he pressed his lips to the man's hand ever so softly before releasing. "Idris Mowbry, at your service."

Winter
Dude. Don't pluck your feathers. You'll look like a chicken ready for slaughter. I know they grow back but like...don't be that literal with nudism, mmkay??
Unlesssssss you are using them to decorate a dressing gown? Omg how luxurious! We could sell those for a dime.
Nevermind, the feathers look better on your wings. Trust me.

Winter
You are right, the realm is a blighted land. I thought humanity was a pox on the face of existence but it seems there is always something worse.
Speaking of humanity, that is who I catch in my snares for one nighters. Mortals. Creatures nobody will miss when they vanish. You know the kind.
I fully recommend it.
I'm in California right now but am thinking it is time for a change again. Where are you?

Winter
Okay fine I'm not f-cking adopted. Wouldn't it be so cool to know I'd been left in a basket at the door though?
Also, apparently I smoked a joint with acid on the paper. So like...blame insanity on that?
Still feel a little hollow inside? I think maybe I'm just behind on one night stands. Gonna go fix that. Hope you're well mah lurve!

There Idris was, minding his own business when suddenly he felt the presence of hands on his posterior. His own hand snatched at the wrist of the pickpocket while his eyes glanced to the man. Typically he would scold the the thief for be so inept as to get caught; however, this one was rather easy on the eyes. The man's bright blue eyes visibly looked his pickpocket up and down before giving a toothy smiles.

"Well, it would seem I caught myself a snack. Might want to watch where those hands go. I tend to bite." Insert a charming wink here!

His reply was simple. "I don't mind the talking.I'm a good listener." Beau wasn't one to be annoyed easily. Years of bullying in high school and constant harassment as an adult toughened his hide more. So far he hadn't found a problem with Winter's talking; he was a man of few words anyways so it helped fill the silence. "And I ain't sayin' that out of kindness. It's the truth."

Mossy green eyes watched the male as he explained himself. His features didn't show displeasure or any negative emotions towards his words. The amused grin on his bearded visage stayed strong. "Wine and dine, huh? I didn't take you for old fashioned." As the conversation seemed to wind down, Beau jumped into his truck with several loud groans and creaks coming from the vehicle. "As for the drinks, we will see. Maybe I will be in a good mood when ya swing by." He gave a friendly wink before starting up his truck.

The two had only just met and already Beau was learning more about the man than he had intended. Drug addiction was a topic he knew all too well. Would he release that aspect of himself to the public? Hell no. This man seemed nice enough but trust was something Beau didn't come by too often, especially with random men on the streets.

Broad shoulders gave a soft shrug. "I hardly think you would be a distraction but, hey, suit yourself." Then the card was offered to him. Beau looked to the card then back to the man with an amused chuckle. "So you just carry cards to hand out to men you find aesthetically pleasing? That is definitely new. However, if your intentions are that of physical pleasure I will have to decline."

A hand reached into the chest pocket of his flannel shirt to pull out a card of his own that was then handed to Winter. "I do appreciate the compliments and would like to take you up on that drink. Come by my bar sometime. Have one on me."

Finally, the weather was becoming for favorable. Beau had grown used to the arid weather in New Orleans but that didn't mean he wanted to live in it all the time. However, as Fall crept towards them so did the storms. It was prime storm season so that meant precautions had to be made.

The man walked out of an apartment complex with a toolkit in hand and a woman following close behind. "Now, Lydia, I will be back later this week to check on that leak. If you see any change or something else goes wrong, don't hesitate to call me." A handful of cash was shoved in his direction, a tired smile on the woman's face. The man gently pushed the hand back to the woman giving her a warm look. "No payment needed. Just happy to help." After farewells he had made his way to the old, clunky truck he called his own. Before he could reach the vehicle, however, he was intercepted by a man. Green eyes blinked in confusion at the whirlwind of flirtation that seemed to fly from the other male's mouth.

there was silence between them for a moment. "Uh. What about a boat? I'm sorry, my mind is still trying to comprehend what's going on here." A hearty laugh rumbled from the man's chest. This was definitely not your average flirtation. Not many people were as up front as the person before him. "Winter, huh? Great season, interestin' name. Beaudoin Theroux. Call me Beau. And while it would be nice to take a break and go rougarouin' around with ya, I'm booked." With a chuckle he moved around Winter so he may complete his journey to the his truck. The door was pulled open with a loud creak and the toolbox was placed in the passenger seat. Beau then turned to look at the man with arms crossed. Unless you wanna help."

Summer laughed heartily at her brother. Damn it was good to see him. Clapping her hands with glee, she nearly shrieked. "Cinnamon! I can't believe you remembered her name! I haven't seen that b-tch in ages." Giggling, she shakes her head and gives a little shrug. "No reason, just burnt out I think. I've been doing it non stop for a few years. Literally. No time to recover from jet lag, just hopping from city to city, getting naked for cash. I mean..it isn't a bad living, don't get me wrong. You should see my investment portfolio."

Lifting her brows, she nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! To your hotel! And I can't believe it has taken me this long to ask- do you need some cash, boo? I can float you, no problem. Winter Summers deserves only the finest. We slummed it for far too long." Hooking her arm through his, she examined his tanned skin and grinned. "Isn't it amazing? I will literally lay on the beach for the entire day. All day. Of course, I feel...stronger and stuff, when I do that. It's like it charges me up or some sh-t. Eh, whatever." The blond shook it off, not bothering with supernatural nonsense.

"Trust me, I know. Most people hear you coming from a mile away," Autumn grins, once again poking fun at her brother. It's so easy to do, after all.

For the second time in less than two weeks, she links her arm with his. Truly, having Winter's light burning brightly in her life again has made a huge difference in her demeanor. "I know of somewhere that makes alcoholic ice cream. We should go there. As for my friend... why, yes, he's quite nice to look at."

By the time Winter turns around, there is a wide, sassy grin across Autumn's face. She meets that icy gaze looking mightily pleased with herself.

"No, I do not want to know what you did to get that money. Although it's likely you stole it in the first place, so it wasn't your money to begin with." One brow arches in a challenge. Then she laughs. "Ice cream... funny you should say that. I mentioned my love for ice cream to a friend a few days ago. So, ice cream we shall have. On you, on me. However that works."

"I would rather be annoyed by you than anyone else in the world," Autumn teases gently. Because let's face it, Winter can be very bloody annoying. But he's her brother and she adores him unconditionally.

Then she laughs. "Drinks sound perfect. Well, they're almost always perfect... But if you're capable of making pancakes in the morning it means we didn't drink nearly enough and we'll just have to do it again." Smiling, Autumn moves to stand side by side with Winter, and wraps an arm around his waist. "Onward! To a night of drinking a debauchery!"

Twisting her lips, she thought. "I mean, it's kind of private I guess. I don't like mine out. It feels like that little part of me that not everyone gets to see, you know? Oh, that reminds me, I'm not feeling dancing lately. Been bartending instead. Anywhosies! I know some are "out and proud"." She used air quotes around the phrase. "Letting their wings flapping out for everyone to see them. I suppose it is just something you will decide for yourself. Perhaps for the first time, you should show me in private." She gave him a warm, reassuring smile.

Giving a little shrug, the blonde waved her hand dismissively. “It’s nothing remarkable. Just meh, not happy or sad.” Her expression turned theatrically curious, one dark eyebrow arching high as she peered at him. “Did you….just come out to me as an angel?” Her voice went up several octaves at the end of the sentence.

Grabbing his arm, she bounced on her toes. “Ohmigod you must show me!” Summer breezed right past any part about how he might have become an angel. She knew he died. She had died too. Perhaps he made the same circuitous route she had. For his soul, she sincerely wished otherwise. With an internal eye roll, she corrected herself. The Summers clan were damned from the minute they were born it seemed.

Autumn's smile is positively joyous. Truly, it's been quite some time since this smile has made an appearance. Months at the very least. "Good. You're not allowed to leave us again."

She lets her hands move from his face, but captures his hands in hers in the process. "I think we have a lot of catching up to do. You just got back, so wherever you want. I'm happy with anything." Autumn beams at Winter. "What do you say? What's your fancy?"

Blaize stared at his brother for what seemed like hours, despite it being just mere moments. The eldest of the Summers brood hated surprises. Winter reappearing after being presumed dead was a surprise even Blaize was not expecting, and he was keen on the expression 'expect the unexpected.' Crimson hues looked the male up and down, searching for some sign he was nothing more than a phantasm, a ghost.

Iregardless of his better judgement he briskly walked toward Winter, a stern look on his face. It had seemed he was about to assault his brother but instead he was brought into a tight hug. The red head's statuesque features did not falter, but his breathing held a slight hitch in it. "You're lucky I'm more relieved than angry. I'm glad you are back, brother."

His goofy smile is infectious. It really is Winter, back in all his wonderful glory. She returns a beaming grin at him. “I’m really glad to hear it. So glad.” Giving a short blonde lock of hair a tug, she raised her brows. “Thank you!” Running her hands down her figure, she added, “Everything pretty much changed. Not my choice but I can’t say I hate it. These curves get me mad tips, you know what I’m saying?” Laughing hard, she shook her head. “Any fashion sense I have is learned from you, big brother. That is a fact. Some of my favorite memories are playing dress up. Not with moms stuff, god knows that strung out b-tch never had anything good. We made our own fun.” She laughed, then sighed. “I’m really happy to see you. And even more happy that you’re doing well. That is all I want for you.”

Slated, stormy eyes land upon the young man, and nothing needs to be said. Gray Taylor is not a fan. He is, as it happens, the farthest thing from it. So, despite the blank expression written across his features, he is blatantly unwelcoming. It is etched in his glare.

But, just to be safe, Gray spells it out verbally, as well. In his experience, social queues never really did the trick. "It is in the best interest of everyone, if you keep your distance."

Furrowing her brow as she saw her brother struggle with saying something, she simply opened her arms and pulled him into a tight bear hug. The tallest of the sisters, she was still towered by Winter. He smelled the same, she noticed as she burrowed her face against his chest, still squeezing him for dear life. Shaking her head, she looked up at him. “No apologies are needed.” Realizing she was squeezing the stuffing right out of him, she let go and took a step back, looking him over. “You look good. Healthy. You’re okay?” Her voice was small, filled with worry.

Autumn keeps her arms wrapped around Winter, afraid he might disappear if she lets go. It's a testament to how happy she is that her feet dangling off the ground don't bother her at all, as it typically would.

"Don't count on it," she murmurs into his hair before finally loosening her arms to look at his face. Delicate hands cup either side of Winter's face - one on each cheek, green eyes examining every little detail. Her brain is still processing all of this. "As well as can be expected. There have been a few changes. I'd ask how you've been, but..."

The sudden appearance of her brother, who is supposed to be dead, makes Autumn's feet root in place. She stares hard at the familiar visage. Blinks several times.

"Winter..?"

In a flurry of red hair, Autumn runs the short distance between them and quite literally leaps into his arms, trusting he will catch her. "You're back! I can't believe it's you. I've missed you every single day."